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27 Series
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Parts List

Auditor Autobank - Validators

Types of Validators

AB2000 Safes have 2 or 3 validators. 283V safes have one validator. FS and Depositrac safes have one or two validators. V1X and VTX have one validator. V2X has two validators.
1. If the bezel of the validator has green lights, the validator is Rowe. Also, the Rowe uses an internal power supply while the Mars units use an external power supply. There are no known working Rowe units left in the field today. Units with Rowe cannot be upgraded to Mars.
2. All units with eight digit serial numbers have MARS. MARS validators may be standard (3800) or locking (3900), but Site Oil and Town Pump are the only major customer using locking validators.

MARS Flash Codes

Looking into the mouth of the validator bezel, look for any of these "flash codes" to troubleshoot problem:
—Steady flashing (may appear continuous light): Ready to accept a bill.
—Rapid flashing: Bill cassette is full.
—(2) Flashes, Pause: Disabled by interface. This means bad RS485 communication. Likely RS485 module or RS485 cable bad.
—(3) Flashes, Pause: Configuration mode. Check DIP switches.
—(4) Flashes, Pause: Bill jam.
—(5) Flashes, Pause: Lockable cassette is not attached.
—(6) Flashes, Pause: Tamper detected, self reset after 15 minutes.
—(7) Flashes, Pause: Stacker blockage.
—(8) Flashes, Pause: Bill held in escrow, no credit given.
—(9) Flashes, Pause: Needs cleaning. Use compressed air.
—(10) Flashes, Pause: Needs cleaning. Use compressed air.
—If there is no flashing, check the validator power supply. This includes checking the transformer output and checking the power in at the 9-pin molex.
—If the validator is operating correctly and you are not in the process of making a drop, the validator should flash approximately once every 15 seconds.

MARS Setup

Always ensure validators are powered down when changing switch settings.
1. Set address using Switch Bank 1, switches 1 to 5. Addresses set in binary values. Example: 00000 = Validator 1; 10000 = Validator 2; and 01000 = Validator 3. Multiple validators are only found in AB2000 and some FS models.
2. Set Switch Bank 1 switches 6 to 8 off (000) and set all segments of Switch Bank 2 to off.
3. Connect power and RS485 cables.

MARS Self-Test

This procedure is done to check a validator that is suspect. If the unit pulls in a bill and stacks it properly in test mode, the validator is ok and any problems with operation are in the RS485 module, cable, or CPU. If the validator does not pull in a bill and has no lights ensure 24VAC power is actually being supplied during check. Note: Always ensure validators are powered down when changing switch settings.
1. Set Switch Bank 1 segments 1 to 7 off.
2. Set Switch Bank 1 segment 8 to on. This puts unit in test mode.
3. Set Switch Bank 2 segments 1 and 2 on, all other segments off.
4. Disconnect the RS485 module from the validator.
5. Apply power to the validator.
6. Insert a bill to check validator operation.
7. If the validator pulls the bill in properly, the validator may be setup for normal operation and placed in service; any problems are with external equipment. If the validator does not pull the bills through properly, it should be serviced or replaced. Service may include cleaning or calibration, though generally a validator failing this self-test in the field should be replaced.

RS485 Module Connected to Validator:

MARS Validators: